Public Service Gender and Affirmative Action Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa has said women are most affected by the implications of climate change.
Jumwa said women in Africa are disproportionately affected by climate change due to their roles in households and communities.
"Women are often responsible for tasks such as water collection and food production, which become more challenging in the face of water scarcity and unpredictable weather patterns," Jumwa said.
She noted that studies show that women and children make up about 80 per cent of the people displaced by climate-related events in Africa.
Jumwa said a significant number of female-headed households are particularly vulnerable to climate-induced poverty.
"According to UNICEF, in some African countries, millions of children are at risk due to the combination of climate-induced disasters and conflict. These factors have severe consequences for child health, nutrition, and education among others," the CS said.
Further, Jumwa said Africa's urban areas are not immune to climate change impacts.
She said rising temperatures, increased heatwaves, and water scarcity pose significant challenges to urban infrastructure, public health, and overall livability.
"Unfortunately, women who bear the worst of health consequences are overburdened by domestic chores and are most vulnerable to Gender-Based Violence given the circumstances," she said.
The CS said women are not only the most affected by climate impacts but are also a cornerstone of climate solutions.
Jumwa said the ministry has explored the innovative and practical solutions that African women are championing in their communities, from sustainable agriculture to renewable energy projects.
She said solutions to the climate crisis are within reach when the leadership of women is empowered.
Jumwa also called for equitable access to climate finance and resources, adding that it is key to ensure African women are not left behind in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Jumwa spoke during the launch of the Africa Women and Gender Constituency.
Jumwa said the constituency will be a powerful force for change, amplifying the voices of African women and gender-focused organizations in climate action.
